Author

Diane

Browsing

HEWI is introducing new surfaces using the environmentally friendly PVD process to achieve maximum individuality in the bathroom.

Delivering more glamour to the bathroom, HEWI adds new metallic designer surfaces, including options such as brass, bronze or gold. The latest designs can help transform contemporary sanitary rooms into personalised oases of well-being – be it in hotels, representative public buildings, elective surgery areas in hospitals or the bathroom at home.

Altogether, the manufacturer offers four new standard and eight new special colours for its accessible sanitaryware and accessories, all manufactured in the PVD process. This allows for even more diversity and scope for bathroom planning.

Timelessness, elegance, and style are what the new designer surfaces from HEWI stand for. With its sanitary systems and accessories, HEWI transforms sanitary areas and private bathrooms into feel-good spaces with that certain something extra.

Bathroom-Review-hewi-surfaces-


Colours and surfaces are particularly suitable elements when planning to design sanitary rooms that are in tune with the atmosphere of the surrounding architecture. Be it cool, calming, warm or revitalising – HEWI offers new, inspiring colours and surfaces for selected ranges and systems to suit every customised design.

Decorative and durable

The wide range of options includes brass, bronze, gold or black chrome, with brushed or glossy finish options. They are highly decorative and emotionally appealing, but behind the delicate, shimmering surfaces lie extremely robust and resistant properties. The PVD surfaces are corrosion-resistant, ideal for sanitary rooms or rooms with high humidity. They also have durable properties such as hardness and scratch resistance. HEWI offers a total of 4 new standard and eight new unique colours.

Bathroom-Review-hewi-accessories.j

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) is celebrating the success of its inaugural BMA Insights Live meeting, held on February 19, 2025, at the Nottingham Belfry. Designed to deliver high-value insights and networking opportunities, the event brought together industry leaders for a packed day of informative sessions, discussions, and collaboration. 

The meeting featured two concurrent streams, allowing attendees to tailor their experience to their interests. The first stream focused on Technical Meetings, offering crucial updates on legislation, guidance, and future industry impacts. The second stream included the always-popular Marketing Meeting, talent development sessions, and a spotlight on independent retailers and showrooms.

The overwhelming success of this first event highlights the value of the BMA Insights Live events as an essential platform for knowledge-sharing and industry growth. 

The next Insights Live will take place as part of InstallerSHOW 2025 on 24-26 June at the NEC Birmingham.

Nominations now open for BMA Thirty-under-Thirty Awards and Sustainability Award

In another exciting development, the BMA is now accepting nominations for the prestigious Thirty-under-Thirty Awards and the BMA Sustainability Award.

The Thirty-under-Thirty Awards celebrate emerging leaders and innovators under 30 who are shaping the future of the UK bathroom industry. 

These awards highlight outstanding professionals across various disciplines, including finance, sales, marketing, design, and career advancements. Open to all BMA member companies, the awards recognise young professionals who demonstrate exceptional skills, leadership, and dedication to driving the industry forward. 

How to enter the Thirty-under-Thirty Awards

BMA member companies can nominate up to four individuals by submitting a 400-word statement detailing why their nominee deserves recognition.

An independent judging panel will assess candidates based on their achievements, future potential, and peer recognition. 

More information is available here.

BMA Sustainability Award 2025

This year’s BMA Sustainability Award 2025 is one open category and will honour outstanding sustainability initiatives within the bathroom manufacturing sector. The awards celebrate BMA members leading in sustainable product innovation, water efficiency, and carbon footprint reduction. 

How to enter the Sustainability Award

Entrants must submit: 

A 400-word statement detailing the initiative’s background, processes, and impact and a short video (up to three minutes) showcasing the project (smartphone recordings are accepted).

A panel of independent judges will evaluate submissions based on environmental impact and innovation. 

More information is available here.

Key dates for both awards

May 15, 2025: Deadline for nominations 

June 26, 2025: Shortlist revealed at BMA Insights Live during InstallerSHOW 2025 (NEC, Birmingham) 

September 17, 2025: Winners announced at the BMA Connect Conference gala dinner 

The BMA encourages all members to participate in these prestigious awards and celebrate the rising stars and sustainability champions driving the bathroom industry forward. 

Kitchen products supplier Waterline has welcomed Emily Roberts as its new contract sales manager. Emily joins Waterline with nearly a decade of experience in the contract kitchen market, having worked in both operations and sales for a company that supplies kitchens to developers, housebuilders and main contractors. She has vast experience across a range of sites from single plots to high-rise tower blocks with over 400 homes.

In her new role, Emily will utilise her excellent customer service skills to support Waterline’s growing contract customers throughout the process from the initial design stage through to the completion of each project.

Commenting on her appointment, Emily said: “I’m excited to join Waterline and look forward to building on the work of the team in supplying customers with products that will add real value to their projects.”

Michael Marriot, CEO of Waterline, added: “It’s great to have Emily on-board. Her skills and experience make her a fantastic addition to our team as we continue to expand and develop our contracts business.”

For more information, visit www.waterline.co.uk or call 03330 149 149.

This February, bathroom design brand GROHE hosted a thought-provoking debut panel discussion at its newly opened London Specification Hub exploring the topic “Can enjoyment of water ever be truly sustainable?”. The panel was chaired and moderated by renowned interior journalist Elspeth Pridham, while guest experts included:

Patrick Speck, LXIL’s Global Design Lead, Wan-Sheong Yau, Architect at Studio Moren; and Hayley Roy, Commercial Interior Designer at Harp Design.

For GROHE, sustainability is more than just a goal – it is a responsibility and part of the brand’s DNA. By engaging industry leaders and decision-makers in thoughtful discussions around sustainability and water scarcity, GROHE seeks to encourage conscious specification and lead by example to champion change.

Hayley Roy (pictured top) initiated the discussion, noting, “The true enjoyment of water is a luxury, and we often take advantage of that luxury when we’re not at home. There’s an underlying mindset that in commercial settings such as hotels conscious water usage isn’t a priority as you’re not paying the bill. It’s been found that on average a hotel has 3 times the water usage than that seen in a domestic setting, with the majority of usage coming from guest rooms.”

Bathroom Review Wan Gardner Yau

Wan-Sheong Yau (pictured left) added to the discussion, highlighting the enjoyment of water has a lot to do with location and accessibility “A luxurious multi-spray shower in a hotel room is often considered a standard essential, however if you take even the most basic of showers and place them in a first-class lounge on an aeroplane then that shower becomes a new level of privilege and luxury, with true enjoyment.”

The panel also explored the wider industry shift towards circularity and need for greener specification —from sustainable material choices to waste reduction in the manufacturing industry.

Patrick Speck emphasised the need of innovation continuity and enhanced education when it comes to resource-saving productsSustainability and having luxury should not be seen as mutually exclusive. There are now many products available that enhance daily routines while minimising their environmental impact. Features like our SilkMove ES technology, which reduces unnecessary energy use, and our water-recycling shower concept, Everstream, are proof that innovation can drive real change. We’re continuing to drive education and fight the common misconception that low-flow showers and bathroom fittings provide a sub-standard experience. Users can have it all with a luxurious experience that also helps to save water, and we see it as our job to drive this change in mindset”

European shower manufacturer Flair Showers Limited has announced the appointment of Gillian Furey as marketing manager for the UK and Ireland. Since 1952, Flair has beautifully designed and expertly engineered its shower solutions to stand the test of time in the busiest of bathrooms.

Furey joins Flair Showers Limited with over two decades of extensive experience in strategic marketing for blue chip, FMCG and global companies. With a proven track record of developing and implementing significant trading touch points to deliver growth and success, Gillian’s appointment aligns perfectly with the recent launch and introduction of Flair Showers into the UK market.

Furey comments: “I am incredibly proud to be joining a highly respected and customer-focused company at a crucial stage in its journey in the UK. To reinforce our commitment to the UK market and highlight our dedication to working in partnership with bathroom specialist retailers, we have invested in the development of display materials to help bring the Flair Harmony Collection to life. Building rapport and relationships while growing and delivering business success with retailers in the UK is an exciting opportunity.

“I look forward to engaging my expertise, knowledge and experience from my substantial marketing background, gained throughout my career to drive the profile of Flair Showers in the UK. Meaningful conversations and interactions with our current and potential customers have never been as important as they are today.”

Mia O’Loughlin, group marketing director, Sanbra Group, adds: “We are delighted to welcome Gillian to the Flair Showers team. Gillian brings a wealth of marketing expertise, which is invaluable and will support us as we continue to expand and grow our business in the UK.”

For more information on Flair Showers, please contact sales@flairshowers.co.uk or visit the website www.flairshowers.co.uk

The CEO of the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI), Damian Walters, has responded to an announcement by the UK Government reaffirming its commitment to apprenticeships following new research which shows apprenticeships contribute £25bn to England’s economy.

In 2018, research suggested that apprentices in England contributed £14bn of economic growth over their lifetime and new figures, announced during National Apprenticeships Week, revealed that the number has almost doubled to £25bn, demonstrating the importance of apprentices in the government’s mission to grow the economy.

New measures under the reform include the introduction of new apprenticeships, a boost in flexibility for employers around English and Maths qualifications, a cut in the minimum duration of apprenticeships to get ‘boots on the ground’ quicker and the launch of a ‘one-stop shop’ app to revolutionise how apprentices access training and support.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson (pictured) said: “We need to take skills seriously as a country again, and the measures we’ve taken this week to slash red tape and boost the number of apprentices show how we will deliver on this and break down the barriers to opportunity for our young people.”

Whilst BiKBBI welcomes reform, CEO Damian Walters urges the Government to take measures to encourage the thousands of micro-SMEs currently operating in the UK to take on an apprentice. “Reform is well overdue and therefore it is welcome” commented Walters “but there remains much to do to overcome the challenges that micro-SMEs face when taking on an apprentice. This is a major barrier, particularly in the home improvement sector, where the majority of the workforce are sole traders and micro-SMEs. The current (and ageing) workforce is the key to solving the skills shortage and building a sustainable future workforce for the fitted furniture sector, and unless the Government can do more to accommodate the needs of the thousands of micro and small businesses which make up 99.8% of the UK business population, apprenticeships cannot work for our sector. It’s the reason that hasn’t worked for the past decade, and unless there is reform in this area, nothing will change going forward”.

The full announcement from the Department of Education and The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP can be accessed here.

The Kbsa has launched a new series of regional meetings, the first of which was held in Mansfield this month. Designed to update members on benefits and initiatives, the meeting was welcomed by those who attended as a valuable networking opportunity.

Delegates travelled from outside of the East Midlands region to hear speakers cover market trends, expanding your business branch or franchise, member benefits, and an education and training update.

Trevor Scott, founder of Rugby Fitted Kitchens, gave the presentation on the relative benefits of expanding a business independently or becoming part of a franchise.

Luke Wedgbury, owner of Coalville Kitchens and training & education champion at the Kbsa, gave a review of the Kbsa’s training & education strategy. Luke’s presentation included information on how to access courses that are free of charge, industry-specific day releases and full-time courses such as the Kitchen Fitter Apprenticeship schemes via recommended training providers.  Partnerships with training providers such as Simon Acres Group, TKET (The Kitchen Education Trust), the London School of Architecture and other third-party education providers were also covered.

Kbsa national chair Richard Hibbert said, “We are delighted that the meeting was so well received by the members and non-members that attended. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to meet in person and share experiences.

“We have taken on board the feedback and will be announcing further meetings in the near future.”

The Unified Water Label Association (UWLA) will be hosting an event that brings together a number of key speakers to discuss how the Unified Water Label is supporting the water resilience agenda. Presentations will cover education, product innovation, market transformation and best practice. The event will take place on Tuesday 18 March in room 4/4.2 Brillanz, from 13.00 to 15.00.

Speakers will include:

  • Carlos Velazquez, President UWLA – Welcome and introduction
  • Timo Kopka, Technical chair UWLA – new performance bands and criteria for taps
  • Paul Skinner, Technical consultant UWLA – new sustainability criteria
  • Fiona Felix, Leader Public Affairs Hansgrohe – update on UWLA Advocacy activities
  • Yvonne Orgill, outgoing MD UWLA – the development of the Unified Water Label
  • Henk Gieskens, Director of client success at Lyrical Communications Limited – the role of exhibitions in a sustainable world
  • Tim Robertson and Jacob Tompkins, Get Water Fit – a global consumer education initiative
  • Lee Cartwright, incoming MD UWLA

UWLA CEO Yvonne Orgill says, “2025 will be a significant year for water. The need for water efficiency is higher on the agenda than ever before across Europe.  This is evidenced by the appointment of the first EU Commissioner for water resilience Jessika Roswall, and the recent call from The European Commission to seek input from stakeholders in designing the future European Water Resilience Strategy.

“Industry has demonstrated its commitment by offering innovative products that use less water and associated energy.

“With support from all parties we can work together to make a self-regulatory label the solution.”

The UWLA presentation is open to all ISH attendees, visit www.uwla.eu for details or email Vikki Hollins at Vikki.hollins@uwla.eu

Distributor of bathrooms, appliances, sinks, and taps – PJH, and Fibo – supplier of wall panel solutions – have announced a partnership. From February 2025, PJH will be supporting Fibo’s distribution across England, Wales and Scotland as its exclusive new distributor.

Recognising a growing demand for versatile and design-led wall panels, the partnership will see Fibo’s collection benefitting from PJH’s distribution network, giving customers access to a range of waterproof wall panels that combine durability with elegant design. The entire Fibo collection of 225 SKU’s will be available to order from PJH, with selected Fibo ranges featuring across PJH’s Bathrooms to Love and Bathrooms2GO brands.

Commenting on the partnership, Kim Cooper, head of marketing & product at PJH, said: “Bringing Fibo into the PJH fold is an exciting development for us. Fibo’s wall panels are not only visually stunning but also highly practical, offering customers an alternative to traditional tiles. Their ease of installation, durability, and variety of finishes make them an ideal addition to our portfolio.

“By expanding our product range with the addition of Fibo, we’re reaffirming our dedication to being the first choice for bathroom retailers. Supported by our new state-of-the-art Wolverhampton Distribution Centre, fast and reliable delivery service to both store or home addresses, through our own fleet of vehicles, including real-time tracking, we can ensure our ‘FIRST CHOICE’ service, being better placed than ever to deliver quality, convenience, and innovation.”

Bathroom-Review-PJH_FIBO_2272-Black-Marble.

Chris Bugg, sales director at Fibo, said: “Whilst Fibo will continue to trade directly with Merchants and Buying Groups as normal, the new partnership with PJH will greatly grow our reach across England, Scotland & Wales.

With Fibo’s fleet of 26-ton wagons and the need for customers to have a forklift truck to offload, delivery has been challenging to meet the demands of our growing business. By partnering with PJH, it will allow Fibo to be delivered anywhere across the British Isles and with next-day delivery! This will significantly enhance the service we provide by offering customers the opportunity to buy Fibo directly or through PJH.”

Fibo’s waterproof wall panel systems are designed to simplify bathroom transformations, come with a 25-year warranty, and hold all the necessary approvals for wetrooms. Featuring its patented Aqualock click system for quick and secure installation, the collection includes a variety of on-trend designs using eco-friendly materials, as well as an impressive log of environmental credentials. These panels deliver exceptional performance while making a bold style statement – ideal for both contemporary and classic interiors.

The Fibo range is now available via the PJH Partners Portal™ website. To learn more, visit www.partners.pjh.uk, contact your regional PJH sales manager, or call 0800 8 77 88 99.

To learn more about Fibo, visit www.fibo.co.uk or contact your regional business development manager.

More news and product information from PJH Group

The Designplus Award by ISH, in collaboration with Stylepark, has unveiled its 34 nominees for 2025. Recognised for setting the benchmark in water, heating, and air, ISH will showcase these innovations at an exclusive exhibition in Hall 5.1 throughout the fair.

A panel of industry experts selected the nominees from over 160 entries. The jury, including leaders from the sanitation and heating sectors, evaluated submissions based on sustainability, innovation, functionality, and aesthetics.

‘We have received a wide range of submissions from the plumbing, heating, energy, ventilation and software sectors,’ according to jury member Jens Wischmann.

’This is an impressive demonstration of how broadly based the HVAC industry is. It is particularly pleasing that we see not only excellent design but also highly innovative, solution-oriented products that represent real improvement. This makes me optimistic for an exciting ISH 2025.’

The solution orientation is in line with this year’s thematic focus of the ISH, which offers visitors a better orientation with eight solution areas.

The nominated products represent the industry’s entire diversity and show the latest developments in the following categories:

The nominated products span six categories:

  • Water & Efficiency
  • HVAC & Sustainability
  • Smart & Control
  • Design & Innovation
  • Young Innovators
  • Sustainable Exhibition Stand

The winners will be revealed on 17 March at a special ceremony in Hall 3.1.

The 2025 nominees demonstrate the breadth of the HVAC industry, with submissions from 24 countries showcasing the global impact of ISH. Both established industry players and emerging start-ups are represented, highlighting innovative solutions and advanced designs.

The Designplus Award celebrates ISH’s theme of forward-thinking solutions, aligned with the fair’s focus on offering sustainable and smart solutions for the built environment.

Discover the full list of nominees and their groundbreaking products here.

ISH 2025 will take place from 17 to 21 March, marking the world’s premier event for HVAC and water technologies.

For more details, visit ISH Awards

Bathroom-Review-ISH-Design-PLus-Award

Pictured: Participants of the jury meeting. From left to right: Jens Wischmann (Managing Director of VDS – Vereinigung Deutsche Sanitärwirtschaft e.V. & Managing Director of VdZ – Wirtschaftsvereinigung Gebäude und Energie e.V.), Matthias Thiel (Consultant Business Administration, Data Management, Demographic Change at ZVSHK – Zentralverband Sanitär Heizung Klima), Elke Oechsner (Managing Director Heizungs-Journal Verlags GmbH), Stefan Seitz (Director ISH Brand Management), Franziska von Schumann (Publisher & Board Member Stylepark), Prof. Amandus Samsøe Sattler (ensømble studio architektur, President DGNB e.V.), Anna Moldenhauer (Editor-in-chief Stylepark Magazine), Robert Volhard (Founder, Publisher & Board Member Stylepark). Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH